If you ’re searching for a cactus with serious personality , expect no further than the paper spine Opuntia cholla cactus ( Opuntia papyracantha ) . This eccentric succulent , aboriginal to western Argentina , is famed for something pretty bizarre – it ca n’t seem to hang onto its own stems and acantha ! Keep record to identify the wonderfully weird earthly concern of the ego - shedding cactus .
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About Opuntia papyracantha
The paper spine cholla grow as a shaggy-coated shrub made up of ramify root segments . And here ’s where thing get interesting – those segment are pretty much freelancers , not too attached to sting around on the main plant . They ’ll often just spend off and go their own way !
As for the plant ’s namesake spine , they ’re like papery white ribbons rather than sharp needles . And even those can devolve off , leave the stems Nearly simple at times . With its white - ish flowering blossom , this cactus is basically a master of disinvest itself seasonally .
Related Post:195 Opuntia Varieties [ With picture ]
How to Care for Opuntia papyracantha
Light Requirements
Opuntia papyracantha craves as much sunshine as a plant can get . Situate it in the sunniestspot possible , like a south - facing window or an outdoor patio . During intense summertime heat , provide some afternoon shade to prevent sunburn . If outdoor lighting is n’t enough , add on with a grow lightplaced 6 - 12 inch from the plant for 12 - 14 time of day per day .
Watering Needs
Like most cactus , this assortment is wonted to arid precondition . Water thoroughly but infrequently – about every 7 - 10 days in spring through fall . admit the soil to amply dry out between waterings . In winter , water just enough ( every 3 - 4 hebdomad ) to keep the soil from going bone dry . Always employ well - draining cactus ground .
About the Soil
This cactus requires a very well - drainingpotting mix made for cactusand succulent . An idealistic portmanteau contains 20 % sphagnum moss peat moss , 60 % coarse vermiculite , and 20 % sharp gumption or grit . total a handful of compost can provide pocket-sized food . The ripe territory mixing prevents payoff like rootage rot .
Fertilizing
run monthly in spring through fall with abalanced cactus fertilizerdiluted to 1/4 intensity level . Or use a dull - release pelletized cactus fertilizer worked into the soil at repotting time . Avoid fertilizing in winter when growing is minimum .
Temperature and Humidity
Opuntia papyracantha thrives in warm temperatures from 65 - 95 ° F . Humidity should be on the drier side , under 40 % . Provide excellent airflow to discourage rot and fungous disease .
Pests and Problems
observe for rough-cut cactuspestslike mealy bug , spider mites , and fungous diseases in too damp consideration . Good airflow and judicious winter watering prevent most issue . Prune out any diseased or dead segment promptly .
Pruning
Minimal pruning is required beyond take out any fallen or rotting stems and spent flowers as needed . The natural self - pruning habit of this cactus keeps it tidy !
Potting and Repotting
employ a container with drain holes and deeply enough to allow for 4 - 5 inch of cactus potting mix . Repot annually in former fountain , moving up only 1 - 2″ pot sizing . slide off any escaped fore segment and reroot them to propagate .
Opuntia papyracantha Propagation Methods
One of the easiest cactus to propagate , Opuntia papyracantha pronto grows new plant life from shed stem segments . Here ’s how :
you’re able to also try seed propagation , but have them to sprout can be foxy . Division by dispatch get-go is another workable proficiency for this prolific cactus .
No indigence for complicated tricks with the paper spine Opuntia cholla ! This soft - going cactus , content to couch off its own portion on a regular basis , make for a delightfully low - maintenance yet unique addition to your succulent garden .
